Lot 185
  • 185

England

Estimate
800 - 1,200 GBP
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Description

  • Card Table
  • rosewood, boxwood strung, brass
  • 73 by 91.5 by 90cm., 28¾ by 36 by 35¼in.
  • Made circa 1820.
the swivel top opening to reveal a gilt-tooled leather surface and internal compartment

Condition

In country house condition. The top with losses to the veneers. The leather top is distressed with signs of staining and wear. There is a tear to the centre of the leather along the fold line. The brass frieze has losses and is coming away from the frame in some areas, there is some discolouration to the surface of the top and noticeably the veneers around the edge. The inlay and the veneer in the splayed legs and curved pedestal has minor losses and chips. One leg has a larger chip to its top curve. The gilt-brass claw feet have dulled. There are marks and scratches consistent with age and use throughout. Would benefit from restoration according to taste.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

'In the winter afternoons and evenings Winston very much enjoyed playing cards. Bridge was never a Chartwell game, but Mahjong, bezique, backgammon and later Oklahoma [an export from America] and gin rummy all had their vogue: of these bezique and backgammon were the most enduring and until the very last years he enjoyed playing the companionable games, both of which Clementine also played well and with pleasure...' (Mary Soames, Clementine Churchill, Doubleday, London, 2003, p.259).

For a sofa table which features the same unusual demi-lune support see an example, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, illustrated O. Brackett, An Encyclopedia of English Furniture, London, 1927, p.290.